2021 NBA Mock Draft 5.0 leading up to franchise changing night

The Warriors should be back in the championship picture next year, but that shouldn’t stop Golden State from trying to set up their young core after Steph Curry and Klay Thompson leave. They have their big man of choice in James Wiseman, so it’s time to add a point guard like Mitchell.

The Baylor guard will need to overcome concerns about his age (23), small frame, and one year of truly elite production. Despite that, Mitchell was the main catalyst on both ends of the floor for a Bears team that overcame the odds and ended up beating a perfect Gonzaga squad to win a championship.

Mitchell’s blend of expert 3-point shooting and lockdown perimeter defense is a huge reason why Baylor was in that position. After backing up Curry for a few years, the Warriors should feel comfortable with eventually transitioning to a young core led by Mitchell and Wiseman. Thanks for the gift, Timberwolves!

Acquired with a pick that used to belong to Chicago, Orlando doubles down by adding a second hyper-athletic project who could eventually turn into an All-Star. Johnson might have some concerns about his shot-creating ability and shooting, but he can absolutely devastate the rim.

After setting a record for the highest vertical leap at the NBA combine, the former Volunteer showed that his hops and athleticism should help him be a productive off-ball player and finisher at the rim in the NBA.

Johnson also profiles as an excellent defensive player, making the trio of himself, Kuminga, and Isaac one of the better young collections on that end in the game. Orlando is clearly playing for the future, and adding two players with as high a ceiling as Kuminga and Johnson is one way to position yourself quite nicely.